Lionfish

Lionfish Profile Lionfish are a group of fish known for their maroon, white or black stripes, intricate fins, and venomous spiky extensions. They have also been called turkeyfish, firefish and tastyfish. They inhabit coral reefs of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the Indian Ocean, and are capable of adapting to a wide range of environments that vary in temperature and depth. Lionfish Facts Overview Habitat: Shallow reefs, lagoons, coastal waters Location: South Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean Lifespan: Up to 15 years in the wild Size: 12 to 15 inches in length Weight: Up to 3 pounds Color: Maroon (sometimes brown) and white stripes Diet: Small marine fish, shrimp, mollusks, and other lionfish Predators: Unknown Top Speed: Unknown No. of Species: 12 Conservation Status: Least concern There are 12 species of Lionfish, and 2 species, the red lionfish and the common lionfish are currently classified as invasive species. Like many other fish, the lionfish congregates in groups called schools. They prefer to live in rocky habitats that allow them to camouflage with ease. Lionfish diet on small fish, invertebrates, and mollusks and have few natural predators due to the potential threat of their venomous spikes. The lionfish is edible, and it has been said that they are quite delicious. However, due to their venomous spines, they need to be processed with care prior to being consumed. In captivity, this marine fish is commonly found in aquariums around the world. Interesting Lionfish Fa...

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The lionfish is a beautiful predatory fish popular in saltwater aquariums. With their long spines and dramatic patterns, these fish are truly a sight to behold. Unfortunately, they have begun to pose a problem in the wild as an invasive species. Invasive species are animals that have established a population in a location they are not naturally found. Read on to learn about the lionfish. There are many different species of this fish. The vast majority of them are light colored, with red stripes. They have long spines radiating from virtually every fin on their body. These spines, while beautiful, can be quite deadly to some animals, and they are equipped with venom to protect the fish from being eaten. Interesting Facts About the Lionfish This is an interesting and hardy fish. While these fish are a serious threat in the Atlantic as an invasive species, they are still beautiful and intriguing animals. • A Fish of Many Names – Lionfish are also commonly called • On the Subject of Names – All lionfish are in the genus Pterois. This name originates from the Greek “pteroeis” which means “winged,” or “feathered.” • A Fish Fishing? – Lionfish have small tassels growing from their eyebrows and chins. These tassels are similar to an • Spiny Snacking – Lionfish are actually quite healthy to eat, as long as you remove the spines! Unlike some other venomous fish (like pufferfish), the venom is only located in the spines, making safe consumption of the body of the fish quite easy. Eve...

“ Can you eat lionfish?” seems to be the most common question we still hear while talking to people about the lionfish invasion. The answer is a resounding Yes, people do eat lionfish and they are delicious! … and eating lionfish is great for several reasons: Eating non-native lionfish is good for the environment.It is the ultimate in responsible seafood selections because removing lionfish helps our reefs and native fish stocks recover from environmental pressures, lionfish predation and overfishing. Eating non-native lionfish into extinction would , in this case, be a very good thing. Eating lionfish is a healthier choice than most other fish commonly served in restaurants like snapper, grouper, dorado, wahoo, amberjack, tunas and billfish. Lionfish have been shown to be higher in heart healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, lower in saturated fats and heavy metals such as mercury. Red lionfish and theDevil Firefish cannot currently be farmed and commercially cultivated, when you eat lionfish you are supporting local fishermen and divers who recognize the danger to their livelihoods, are practicing sustainable fishing methods and making smart decisions! Eating lionfish means that you are putting money back into the local economy, joining an important cause and supporting worthy people! Did I mention that lionfish are delicious? If you like to eat fish, I am certain that lionfish will rank near the very top of your favorites list! Obviously the most obvious question is, “ Are lionf...

Turkeyfish. Butterfly cod. Feather fins. A lionfish ( Pterois) by any other name looks just as lovely. Adorned in bold maroon, brown and white stripes, lionfish drift through the water by gently waving their fan-like fins. Floating tentacles frame their faces, making lionfish appear soft and delicate. But beware! These mysterious beauties come armed with Fast fishy facts Lionfish hail from the South Pacific and Indian oceans, their habitat stretching from Australia up to Japan and South Korea. Twelve different lionfish species swim through this region, feasting on shrimp and smaller fish. Lionfish not only have huge appetites, but also breed with similar gusto. They reproduce year-round, meaning a mature female can release about 2 million eggs per year, according to the No matter the size, all lionfish sport spines along their back, pelvis and underside, and they use these protrusions for defense. According to , when a lionfish spine punctures flesh, the pressure pushes out toxin from two venom glands along the fish's backbone. The poison rushes through channels on either side of the backbone, through the spine and into the victim. A popular aquarium fish and invasive predator, lionfish have a fan of soft, waving fins and venomous spines. (Image credit: Oregon State University) A painful sting In humans, lionfish stings cause intense Few studies have investigated what makes lionfish stings so painful. Some toxins act nonspecifically and punch pores through cell membranes i...